There are many new technologies being developed to create cheaper, more efficient <a href="http://inhabitat.com/google-invests-to-bring-solar-power-systems-to-3000-homes/">solar panels</a> - however researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrel.gov/">National Renewable Energy Laboratory</a> just announced that they have found a way to create more efficient photovoltaic cells using <b>50%</b> less energy. The technique hinges upon a new optical furnace that uses intense light instead of a conventional furnace to heat silicon to make solar cells. The new furnace utilizes "highly reflective and heat-resistant ceramics to ensure that the light is absorbed only by a silicon wafer, not by the walls inside the furnace....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/nrels-new-optical-furnace-bakes-more-efficient-solar-cells-using-50-less-energy/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

1

Solar Panels

There are many new technologies being developed to create cheaper, more efficient <a href="http://inhabitat.com/google-invests-to-bring-solar-power-systems-to-3000-homes/">solar panels</a> - however researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrel.gov/">National Renewable Energy Laboratory</a> just announced that they have found a way to create more efficient photovoltaic cells using <b>50%</b> less energy. The technique hinges upon a new optical furnace that uses intense light instead of a conventional furnace to heat silicon to make solar cells. The new furnace utilizes "highly reflective and heat-resistant ceramics to ensure that the light is absorbed only by a silicon wafer, not by the walls inside the furnace....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/nrels-new-optical-furnace-bakes-more-efficient-solar-cells-using-50-less-energy/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

2

1/2

NREL Solar Project

There are many new technologies being developed to create cheaper, more efficient solar panels - however researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory just announced that they have found a way to create more efficient photovoltaic cells using 50% less energy. The technique hinges upon a new optical furnace that uses intense light instead of a conventional furnace to heat silicon to make solar cells. The new furnace utilizes "highly reflective and heat-resistant ceramics to ensure that the light is absorbed only by a silicon wafer, not by the walls inside the furnace....